When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

However, in recent years it has been a fixture in which away sides have fancied their chances and looked to attack, rather than to merely accept their fate as the latest victims of the home team.

Rarely during Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure did a 'lesser team' visit Old Trafford in the Premier League with a specific game plan of upsetting United's dominance.

Occasionally a slip-up would occur, a shock result which would often blot an otherwise faultless home record, and a defeat which would send shock waves across the Premier League.

However, the troublesome years which had followed have seen Old Trafford lose its intimidating edge, the once Theatre of Dreams had become no more than a pantomime wondering when the Jose Mourinho misery would end.

During his short spell in charge Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not only transformed the club on the pitch, but he has played a pivotal role in restoring pride off it.

Before Christmas the prospect of Brighton at home would have bored fans senseless, but now it represents an appetising encounter which will have fans excited - something Solskjaer and his staff deserve immense credit for.

Read More

Related Articles

Speaking in November of last year, Gary Neville identified the lack of a fear factor at home matches which had crept into Mourinho's reign, and suggested only the playing staff would be able to revitalise the loyal home support.

Responding to comments Luke Shaw made about United's perceived weakness at home, Neville said: "It's a painful thing to hear. The fear factor has gone from Old Trafford, absolutely, but when your own players are actually saying it, it's like an admission of guilt.

"The coaching staff and players are the only ones who can correct that.

"The only way in which you get a fear factor in a ground is by amassing result after result, clean sheet after clean sheet, goal after goal and doing it over a long period of time.

"You take away any confidence and belief a team can come and win, it's damaged before they get on the pitch."

Solskjaer has done just that and now it seems players are again thriving on the pressure of being the team to beat playing while playing in front of a boisterous and expectant crowd.

Read More

Related Articles

While it remains early days in the Solskajer reign, his lasting legacy has already been established. This is a team with a rich tapestry of attacking football, confidence and pride to wear the famous badge on their shirt, and now it really looks like every player is playing with the honour of those who have gone before them.

Perhaps the greatest compliment comes in the fact Solskjaer can this weekend match an accolade most recently held by Ferguson at the club. United are looking to score at least three goals in four consecutive home league games for the first time since September 2011.

The club still have some way to go before they fulfill an old cliche and 'have games won in the tunnel', but under the attacking philosophy of Solskjaer they are certainly on the path to doing just that.